Method of generating water gas



Feb.` 2 1,

L. B. MOORHOUSE METHOD OF GENERATING WATER GAS Filed July 19; 1920 :ssheets-sheet I /u @H2M/MMM.

Inf-@muli Patented Feb. 21, `1928.

UNITED STATES LOUIS B. ILIIOOIRIJIOUSLE,v 0F TOLEDO, OHIO.

METHOD OF GENERATING WATER GASA.

Application filed July 1 9, 1920. Serial No. 397,378.

My invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and methodwhereby producer gas and water gas may be eflicicntly and economicallymanufactured from coal or coke or similar material and wherein theobjectionable features usually found or met wit-h in the manufacture ofsuch gases are greatly reduced. By my invention is provided a means andmethod whereby practically all of the gas producing elements of the fuelare utilized or recovered. Thus the apparatus and the method efficientlyproduce the gases from the fuel.

My invention particularly has for its object to prevent the formation ofclinkers and the loss caused by the improper or incomplete utilizationof fuel during' the operation' of the apparatus and also to convert theproducts of incomplete gasification, such as tar and the like, intoavailable form which products otherwise in appar'atus now known in theart` are largely lost. My invention thus particularly provides a meansand a method for controllinj,r or preventing clinker formation and alsoprovides for the proper distillation of the hydrocarbon materials in thefuel body. The gases are discharged from the relatively cold fuel body,while they are in condition of reaction into the. hotter fuel whereinthey are decomposed to form larger quantitiesI of the gas. rlfhus by myinvention is provided a means for further cracking or breakingr up thehydrocarbon materials to form additional gas and the production of acleaner gas.

My invention not. only has for its particular object to control orprevent the clinlv'er formation, but also to prevent the format-ion ofchimneys or blow holes in the body of the fuel andthus eliminate intenselocal reaction. 'By n'tyinvention is provided a means and method ofope-ration whereby there is a uniform descent of fuel to the reactionehamber or chambers aud also whereL by the region of reaction isn'iaintaiiwd in a definite position in the lgenerator. l\ly inventionalso particularly .has for its object to provide a means for obtainingthe 'gases with increased efliciency from finer and cheaper fuel 'and ofobtaining,r the required time of contact of the gases with the heatedfuel and yet wherein the How of the air or steam or both will still beof substantially the requisite rates through the fuel for the productionof the gases and complete consumption of the fuel.

production of the gas.

By my invention is also particularly provided a producer gas and watergas apparatus which may be continuously operated by reason of the factthat clinlier formation is practically obviated and in this connection Ihave provided means whereby the ash may be discharged withoutdiscontinuance of the operation of the apparatus which results in agreatsaving of the fuel and an increased The invention also has for itsobject other advantages and features which will appear' fromthefollowing description and upon examination of the drawings.

The invention may be contained and performed in generators and apparatusof different forms and the parts thereof connected up in different ways.To illustrate a practical application of the invention, I have selectedone or two forms of construction containing the invention and shalldescribe them hereinafter. The constructions selected are illustrated inthe accompanying drawings.

Figure l of the drawings illustrates a top view of one of theconstructions selected as an example of apparatus containing my invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2*?. indicated inFig. l. Fig. 3 is a Sectional view taken on the line 3 3 .indicated inFig. 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line -1-4 indicated inFigi. I

,Fig 5 a top view of a means for securely and quickly closingr theregencrators. Fig. ti is a side view of the .stack closing; valveillustrated in Fig. 1'. partly in section showin;r the valve open. Fig.7 is a side view7 of the stack valve showing,r the valve closed. Fie: Sis a top view of a moditied form of construction containingr theinvention. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 5)*9 indicatedin Fig. S. Fig. l0 is a diagram showing a relation of the currents ofgas or vapor that may be directed through the generator. Fig. ll is asectional view talien on the line ll-ll indicated in Fig'. J.

The fuel is consumed in a lgenerator 1 in the production of the gras.The fucl is fed into the generator through the hqppers :2. The hoppersare provided with suitable gates 3.. Drums 5 are located below the hoppers and receive the fuel from the hoppcrs. The lower ends of the drumsare closed by the distributing cones 4 which distribute the fuel withinthe top of the generator and so that it will not collect in a conicalpile. The

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generator is kept closed either liv the gate 3 or the. cone 4.. Thedrinn 5 nia): he filled when the cone is closed, hut when the Cone isopened the gate l is closed. By this arrangeH nient the fuel nia); befed into the generator without loss ot' gases and without interruptionof the reactions that take place in the generators.

rthe generators ol' the different forms shown in the drawings are alsoprovided with ash receivers or troughs G in which water may he insertedvfor sealing the lower ends or bottoms of the generators and thuspreventing the escape of gas through the ashes to the atmosphere, andalso to prevent air entering'. The walls 'Z ineach case are secured tothe supporting columns 8 and extend well into the trough t; s that not.-ivithstanding the ordinari.'V pressure of the gases Within the0ienerator the generator will be sealed from tue atmosphere by the waterand escape of gases from the generator prevented as well as theentranceot the air from the atmosphere through the ash chainher avoided.l

The generators may he also provided with ash chambers having slopingwalls 9 that terminate at their lower'ends in proximity to each otherand so as to forni narrow passagewavs between the-lower edges of theWalls t). Beneath the opening 10 forined between the. lower edges of thewalls Si is located a snitable movable grate or the equivalent thereof,in each generator, whereby the desired quantities of ash may be fromtime to time ivithdrawn from theash chamber through the openingr orpassageway 10. In the construev tions shown a sector rotative gratenieniher 11 is located beneath and in proximity to the lower edges ofthe walls 9 which will prerent normally the downward movement. of theash out vhich upon oscillation will allow the ash to drop into thetrough 6 of the gcneraior.

The "nigh o is preferahly provided with an inch: i l bt'iiloin portion12., the lower end ol' oiiich located 'well lielow the edge of one ni',side walls T and the correspoiidi ol" the trough F is located slight!)vremote troni the said walls 7 to permit the in .sei'tion of fi hoe orralcv or oherfsnitalilo initieel wenns' to draw the ashes vdown theint-lined portion as they are .lischarged h3.' reeiprot'atolrv movementsof the grate inenihcr 11. '.`he trough (l may also he pro- Avided witha, receiving chalutier 13 thaty is located at, the lower end ot the.inclined portion uherehv the ashes that, collect in the receivingportion or chandler of the trough (l nir-.v he mechanically 'reine-ved.

The api. tus is provided with the regenerators 1t and 15 tlfhichareconstructed in the manner r; 'vein in the art, and which are lshowncone i. ill;v in the drawings. They have the rien-Ji alergia-erle notshown in lthe drawings, for alternately heating streams of air or steamand being heated hy exhaust gases in the manner well ltnotrn. Thegenerator 1 in the lortu of construction illustrated in Fig. 1 isprovided with lieadeis 16 wherein the gases may be received troni thegenerator to permit settling of the sediment such as fine ash or dust.They prevent the deposition ot' ash in the regenerators 14 and thus.prevent fusion ot' the hrich l`orni ing the checker work containedtherein. Il`he hot gases pass through the regenerators 14 andl and ifthe apparatus is provided with the headers 16 they also pass through theheaders 16x" During alternate periods in the operation ot the apparatus,air is directed through the sets of regenerators 15 and 14 loca-ted onone side ol thegcnerator. Air under pressure is admitted to theregenerator 15 and forced through the checlicrwork ot' that regeneratorand through the regonerator 14 to the gas generator. The products ofcombustion pass out through the set of regcnerators 14 and 15 located4on the other side of the generator witch naiv be opened to thcatmosphere or stuck through the regenerator 111i il water is beingformed. lVhen, however, producer gas is being formed, the regenerators15 are maintained closed troni the atmosphere at all times. Inasniueh asthe movement of the air is through the regenerators on one. side duringone period of the operation and then through the rcgenerators on theother side durng a subsequent period of operation, and inasmuch as thehot gases under considerable pressure pass through the regenerators intothe fas collecting main during intermediate periods. I have provided ameans whereby the regenerators l5 may be quickly closed and `vet alsowhereby the closing means muy he securely lorhed in the closed position.

'l'he means for clos'ng each of the regenerators 15 consists of theshell l'having' n. valve senty i8 located at its upper end. 'lhe stackvalvehielnhcr it? is provided -with a ret-ess having a heat ref istingpechino' ih) .such as asbestos located in an annuler chair nel t'ornudon the under ide of the vulve niemher itl. and so :is to cover :i ridgeQi torined on the upper entlof the shell 1T. l`he ,valve uieniher 19 isprovided with a volte Q2 that extends over the top ot the. lvalvenieuilwr and to the ends of which are plv-- oted linksl 1li?. liinlzs 34are also pivoted to the sides ot the shell and aty points such that whenthe valve ineniher 19 is closed. the. pivot points of the links 23 tothe volte .22 will be snhstantially in thesanie vertical line in whichthe pivot points of the liulis 21 to the sides ofthe shell 17 arelocated. The links 23 and :7.1 nre also pivotalljvv connected togetherand at. points which are substantially in the same vertical lines 'thatpass through the other pivot points of the links hlt) and which when thevalve is closed will be located` below the other said pivot point.

Means are provided for drawing the link 23 downward and so as to swingthe links A23 towards the links 24. By this arrangement there will be atoggle action as between theslinks 23 and 24 and their points ofconnection With the valve member ,and the shell respectively. Thus thevalve member may be quickly drawn to its seat, and, during a portion ofthe movement of the low/er ends of the links 23 and the valve member,will be tightly sealed on its seat. To operate the links 23 I 'haveprovided reciprocatory bars 25 that may be yoked together by means ofthe yoke 26 and thus operated in unison. The links 23 are connected tothe bars 25 by means of the links 27 of a length suttieient to cause thelinks 24 to rotate on their piv otal .connections .to the shell 17 whichopcrates to raise the lower ends ot' the links` 2:3

'and 24 and consequently to raise the valve 19. The link 27 is of alength sutiicient to raise the ends of the links 23 and 24 to neafrtlleupperend of the shell 17 which throws the valve to a wide openposition. Upon the return movement of the yoke 26 the lihks 23 and 24are drawn down which swings the valve 19 down to its seat and at thes-nne time brings the pivotal points of connection between the links 23and 24. substantially at right angles to the direction ot' movement ofthe bars 25 which brings the valve member 19 down on its seat under apressure obtained by the full force to which the hars 25 are subjectedas Well as by the toggle relation between the links 23-and 24 and theshell 17 andthe valve member 19.

Under certain conditions or operations. Such as in forming water pas.the. regenerators l5 are alternately connected by means or the other ofthe remm-rators 15.

ofthe valves 31 with the main It() through which air under pressure issupplied lo one 'lhc air passes through the checker-work. not shown,inthe reuenerator 15 and through theI checkerf work. also not shown. inthe rcgcnerator 1 t connected with the `said rcccnerator 15. lt thenpasses from the reircuerators 14, through the valves 32 and the pipes3?, into the uenerators, as hereinafter described.

Under certain comlitions of operations or to accomplish the performanceot' certain reactions. air may alsohe admitted thi-oooh thel valve 34located in thc pipe and thus conducted to the lgenerator. 'l`he steamenters through the steam supply liaic, it and is adniittedto theregenerators 15 through the valvesv 37 and is superheated as it passesthrough the checkerwork located in the regenertors 14 and 15. DuringTthe alternate periods, the steam passes through the valves` 32 and 34and enters the generator. Also if desired, a valve 38 may be openedwhich will permit steam to enter the generator ,Fig 8, or they may beconnected to the generator through the header lti as shown in Figflwhere the combustible portion ot the products may be i'urthcr consumedby the additional air admitted through the pipe 4;. The ports andgenerator connections| with the parts ot' thesystem exterior to thegenerator arc particularly described hereinafter, tofcthcr with thefunctions that they perform in connection with the generator. i It'desired. the pipes 59 may be connected tihrour'h valves 44. with a pipelinelti which is maintained at a pressure below the pressure ot theinterior of the `generator by means ot' an cxhaustcr. By openingr one orthe other ot the valrcs 44, certain hydrocarbons distilled by the heatot the bui-nim;A 'fuel may bc drawn up through the body ot the i'uel andprecipitated by becomingy chilled while at the ,same time certain of themore volatile matters ot the coal will pass ott' with the gaseouslrvdrocarbons`through the pipe 45 and one or both of the pipes 39. lf itis deemed undesirable to recover volatile hydrocarbons in this mannerthey are directed downwardly and cracked in the hotter rcgions of thegenerator and lo out through thcpipes i5 through thc valve Ii-t and thel'cgi'cncrators 14 and 15, and through the valves 46. and the pipe line47, to suitable storage reservoirs or consuming devices.

"l`he const ruction is such that in the production ol' either producergas or water gas, lignite or bituminous, preferably non-coking, coal mayhe used.

lt' lignite is used as t'ucl its hic'h moisture content readily breaksit up under heat. into small particles and thus it otl'ers high rc,-sistance. to gus tlow. lt may, however. be economically gasiticd in thetvpe ot apparatus illustrated in Figs. l. 2 and il. Since the directionot tlow ot' the reactingr rases is do\\'n\\'ard through tluiucamlcsccnt.l'uel the moisture oll tht` lignite is dissociated through the usualwater ,gas reaction and not meri-ly vaporized. 'llu` coal enters thi,`l'uel receiving; chamber 5o from thc drums t and collccts` above thcbridges or partition wallsA 5l which are closely positioned in order toreduce the length olA the gas or air or steam currents that are directedtransversely and downwardly through the fuel. By this construction aliner fuel, and consequently a cheaper fuel. may be used. Also a coalthat breaks up into finer parts may be used. Also by reason of thelocation of the bridges 5l, localization of drafts. or the formation ofchimneys or blow holes through the coal is pre vented since the ports ofthe generator and permit relatively free passage of the.

air and steam, which thus permit ready mingling of the gases. air andsteam, with the partially consumed fuel and with the unconsumed fuel.

In heating a bed of fuel, in the. production of water gas, the carbon ofthe fuel is firstoxidized to a preponderance of carbon dioxide. Thecarbon dioxide, when passing through the hot incandescent fuel, isreduced by the addition of carbon whereby carbon monoxide is formed. Theformation of carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide depends upon thetemperature and the time of contact. The air blast operates to elevatethe temperature of the fuel and to store heat within the fuel', whichheat may be subsequently utilized' at such elevated teniperaturc forthc\ formation of water gas through the combination of carbon with theoxygen produced by the dissociation of steam, thus ,fr-cnerating carbonmonoxide and hydrogen. During the blast or heating period the maximumeconomv of fuel is effected when the (iai-bon is burned to carbondioxide, that is tofsay` when within the fuel the maximum generation ofheat per unit of carbon effected. Inasmuch, therefore. as an increasedtemperature within the fuel bed is the object of the blasting period,and because of the. fact that. a. long time of contact between productsand fuel operates to produce carbon monoxide, which does not producewithin the body of the fuel the maximum amount of heat, it is necessaryeither to decrease the distance of travel or to run .the air at a. rapidrate through the fuel in order to decrease such time of contact. Thelatter procedure results` in carrying dust and nerpartieles out. of thegas generator, By placingthe ports close together, particularly, when aline fuel is used. the air may be forced through the fuelit such a ratethat the 'lighter particles willfnot be carried away and yet the maximumamount of carbon dioxide willbelformed. This will produce the maximumamount of heat per unit ot fuel wit in the fuel bed preparatory to thepassage of the steam through the fuel bed.

The air is directed from the main line 30 into the regcnerators 15 and14 which have been previously heated by the discharge products of aprevious air-blast period and which operate to heat` the air. The airpasses through the pipes 33 into passageways that lead to the ports 52formed in the side walls and the bridges of the generator shown in Fig.2. The air passes dlagonally downward from the ports through the fuelbed in the reaction chamber 91 to the lower part of the gas generatorside wall and to the edges of the bridges, 51 and to the openings oroutlet ports 53 formed therein. The air thus passes down across the hotfuel located betwc "n the bridges and between the bridges and the sidewalls 96 of thegenerator, and the heat and temperature ofv the fuel isgreatly increased. The products that are formed during the movement ofthe air through the finer fuel passout through one of the pipes 35 andthe valves 34 into the header 1G and thence through the other set ofregenerators 14 and 15 and out through the stack valve. succeedingperiod the steam flow may be direetedvthrough the same path or it may hedirected diagonally down and across from the alternate bridges orgenerator wall.

Inlet orts 52 of alternate bridges and wall of t ic generator areconnected with one During the pipe 33 and the other inlet ports 52 are rconnected with the other pipe 33 and the outlet `ports 53 of alternatebridges and wall of the generator are connected with one pipe 35 and theother outlet ports 53 are `connectedwi-tli the other pipe 35. .In theconstructions shown the inlet port 52 and the outlet port 53 in anysinglewall or bridge of the generator make connection with the pipe 33and the pipe which last named pipes are connected to the same side ofthe generator, as shown in Figures 1` 2, 3,. and 4. Thereby the flow ofair. or stezm or mixture and steam through ports 52 will be from one setof bridges or wall of the gen: crat-or to the loweredges of theadjoining bridges or wall, where the said ports 53 are located, duringone period' and will be from the ports 52 of the other set of bridges orwall of the generator to the lower edges of the adjoining bridges orwall during another period so that. in Succeeding or subsequent blaststheI paths of the. air movement Will cross the path of flow duringpreceding periods.

During diffe-rent periods the directions ot flow may be across any onesection orunit ot'. the generator in opposite general lateral .fore, thevolatilized hydrocarbons issuing into 'thc first portion of the paths ofthe air blasts, are carried downward through fuel left in a state ofincandescence'by the receding blast and there broken up and urned beforereaching the exit ports 53. The steam may now be directed through the.saine ports that the air was directed in the preceding operation whichvill cause the most intimate contact between the steam and the mosthighlj.y .heated portion ofthe incandescent tucl thereby causing themaximum formation of water gas from the steam and carbon o'l' the fuelwhich gas passes out through the same ports.

However, it has also been found advisable to admit the steam through thesame regenerator through which the products of the preceding air blastwere directed and by theintnse heat that was produced in thecheckemvorlr during the preceding operation;

tlut is. during the air blast to more highlv sulyerheat the steam whichwill then be directed through the ports 52 of bridges other than thosethrough which the air blast was flirectedin the preceding operation. Thestr-am thus more highly superheated will cause a greater distillation ofhydrocarbons from the coal eontiglmns to the ports 52 and tbcrcbv fheproducts of dissociation of hydrocarbons will bcar'a highenratio tothose gases formed by dissociation ot' steam', that is to sar. by thisprocedure there will result an increase in the ratio of hydrocarbons util ized for forming roinbustible gases to the lri'drocarbons utilizedfor beating the fuel flioiu'f thiblast 'Ind ultimately a gas richel' i.h2 Iroc t; and methane or other fixed hiero: :ii-bon:- v ill bc produecdthereby. In vinA uccccd'ng oiuration. the air may Follow that s mar passthrough or along the inwid 4cui t'url in the same general direc- -x olthc path through which the. steam wim :l ii; thi prece-'ling operationand will cf'tcd llirough the ports through it/nifl; the steam wasdirected in thc .said preceding operation.` The products thereof -willhe passed thri'nrgl lthe portsI 5? and out through tho otherregenerators 14 and l5 and through the ralrc lt). The valve lt) willthen be closed and the steam will then lpassed baci( through the lastnamed rcttor into the generator through tht` ports 52 other than thosethrough which the air passed in the preceding operation. Also insucceeding steaming periods '(gas making periods) the paths of the steamand gases may be caused to cross. This crossing of paths of the currentsof steam with the paths ot` preceding aircurrents causes thehydrocarbons volatilized in the upper p0rtion of the passage to bedissociated and gasilied.

It is to be understood that the paths of the steam fiow may cross thepaths of the air flow during succeeding periods and also that variationsas between water gas and producer gas production may be used to producevarious mixtures o f water gas and of 'producer gas. Also that theperiods may not be immediately succeeding 4but may be subsequent andafter intermediate periods. It Will thus be seen that variations in theoperations of the apparatus may be followed and such variations willstill be within the scope of my invention.

The movement of the steam, of the air and gases from the ports 52 and 53causes the movement ot vapors through the hot fuel into and through thehotter fuel at lower points in the reaction chamber of the generatorwith the result that the hydrocarbons are largely decomposed into theirelements and thus an increased production of s effected and at the sametime the gas freed from tar and carbon particles. The carbon will remainin the fuel to be further consumed in 'subsequent periods of operationof the gen-- erator.

By this arrangement the air is directed downwardly into the fuel whichproduces a maximum heat within the upper portions of thc reactionchamber or parts thereof. lnas'niuch as the formation of the carbonmonoxide from the carbon dioxide is endothermic, such formation` if itoccurs, will occur near thc .ash line Which will operate to avoid excesstci'nperature and consequently reduce or eliminate the formationofvclinkcrs near the ash line.

liv directing steam through the pipe 40 or supcrheated stcau'i'lhroughvalve 38. thence intr-thc generator through pipes Y5K9 by way ot' ports5t', during the time that the steam is directed into certain 0f theports 52; the ta rry vapors arising from the distillation of the fuel isdirected into the incandescent tucl liclow, where they will he broken upor cracked to form lighter hydrocarbons and pass out through one set orthe, other set of ports 53. In this manner, especially if superheatedsteam is used. a greater ouautitv ot the volatile coniponents aredistilled and gasificd dui-in;r the gas making period.

lf desirable to separately recover the volatile constituents of thefuel, I have also loeatcd ports 56 in the bridges 5l and in the sid(`walls of the generator. The ports 56 are located well above the linebetween the incandescent`tucl and the unearbonized fuel and so as to beabove the fuel carbonized by the heated fixed gases and vaporoushydrocarbons that risc from the reaction chamber of the generator; Theports 56 are connected with the pipe 39 and through the ralves 44, withthe reduced pressure main 45. This will operate to draw the volatileelements of the fuel, which are volatilizred in the vicinity of thereaction chamber 91 that is, in or in the vicinity of the incandescentfuel, upwards. It will thus draw off a considerable percentage of thelighter hydrocarbon gases and vapors although it will leave in theunearbonlzed fuel located intermediate the incandescent fuel and theports 56, the heavier and higher boiling point hydrocarbons which willbe condensed by the chilling action of the cooler fuel in the vicinityof and below-the ports 56. This will operate to subject certain portionsof" the heavier hydrocarbons to repeated va` porization and crackingaction near the lower regions and a subsequent condensation in thehigher and cooler regions. rlhe decomposition products so formed willpass on' through.. the ports 5G or pass ott' through the ports 53 duringthe same or subsequentperiod of operation of the generator. rlihe tarryproducts and ammonia contained in the hot mixture so Withdrawn throughthe Aports 56 may, if desired, be subsequently seporated and collectedby the customary means for condensation and separation. By thisarrangement the tarry products which would pass into thev checkerwork ofthe regenerators will be prevented from causingf an cX- cess of heat inthe checkerwork and will be recovered as valuable by-products.

The bridges or partitions and the walls of the generator muv beconstructed in difL ferent ways, but L have found it desirable to soconstruct the walls and bridges of the generator that the coal in itsdescent will leave pnssageways in the vicinity of thc ports. In order to'accomplish this l have so formed the ports that the upper surfaces ofthe ports 52 and 5G will overhang thc open ings .so'as to prevent thecollection of thtl fuel within the ports and thus 'prevent the cloggingvof the ports. In other words. the general direction of the. openihgsthat form the ports is downwards so that the downward movingt fuel willhe carried from the ports and leave a lateral or horizontal pas'-sagcwa'r over the surfacev ot the fuel. To ohtain more uniform-flow ofgas I have provided perforated arches 57, 5S, and 59. The ports moreovermay he in the form of slots such as that shown or cach port may heformed of a plurality of openings formed by partitioning the slots. Alsothe lower sur faces of theportcd wall may he made sl0ping' as in thecase of the ports 56. The ports T355 open from the lower edges of thebridges and the orcrhangingportions ofthe. walls Leedeoa of thegenerator which leave laterally tending passageways beneath the ports 53to permit a free outlet of the ga,

The generator shown in F 2, S, and 4, may he used in the production ofpro ducer gas as well in the production of water gas, since in theproduction of producer gas the nir and the steam' may he di rectedthrough the ports at th.l saine time and consequently tue stack valve:lu will bc maintained closed at fdl tintes. ln n operation of thegenerator-there will he the saine crossingr of the paths ofinoreinent ofthe air and steam from and to the ports und l 53, in consecutiveperiodsof operation ot' the generator'. The producer will he coilected in thepipe 47 in the saine manner that the water gas was collected in the pipe47. Also if it is desired to collect the volatile materials of the coaland the terry products; thcyinay be drawn out through the ports 5G whichare connected with the exhaust pipe 45 in the sonic menne-r as in the:water gas production.

Also if it is desired, air or-stcaiu may be directed through' the ports53 other than those through which the gases are drawn. that is to say,the alternate ports 53 will atl'ord inlets for the steam and air whilethe 'other ports 53 will afford out-lets for the -gljnscs that areproduced by bringing .the

steam in Contact with the incandescent fuel and thus produce a lateralsweep of the air and gas or vapor.

The steam from the ports 53 reduces"the clinker formation and causes allof the fuel to be consumed. In generators where nir is admitted `throughash or clinker and directed upward through an incandescent fuel hed, itprevents the proper settling of the finer ash particles and they arecarried upward from the ash zone into the hottestpor-` tion of the fuell'rcd. Thus unless large quantities of steun] or Sonie othertei'upernture deterrent is used, there exists those conditions condueiveto fusion of the ash. which upon subsequent cooling: fornrs c-li'nlrers.Solirlitication of fused :ish in the presence of unhurncd fuel alwayseucases cert titles of the fucl and prevents the utiliz-ation ofsuclrcncnscd fuel which greatly decreases the cfticituufj.7 of thegenerator. ln nu effort nin quan lll) to control clinlrer fornuition theoperator be used in'imediately.

being downward as well as lateral, operate to carry down all ash towardsthe ash zone, and consequently clinker formation is greatly emolliated.

The form of generatorillustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 is a simplified orsingle unit apparatus operated in like manner to the multiple typeshown-in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, and is designed to be used either forWater gas or producer gas. In this apparatus, when producer gas is to beformed and used hot, the regcnerators 'may be entirely cut 01T byclosing the valves 34 and 32 and opening the valves 65 and 66, which arerespectively' steam valves and air valves, located on one side of thegenerator and a valve 67, which .is av gas outlet valve, located on theother side of the generator, during the blast or flow of the mixture ofsteam and air in one direction through the generator and opening theother steam, air and exhaust valves when the flow is in the oppositedirection. Steam may also be admitted into the pipes 35 through thevalves 97. When. however, the producer gas isto he used cold, the valves(i5, GG and 67, are closed, and the valves 32, 34 and 31. and the steamvalves S7, also gas outlet valve 4t', are manipulated in order to directthe air and steam into the regenerators to heat the air and snperheatthe steam from whence they aredirected into the generator through theproper ports.

lVhen the air and steam is directed into the pipe 33 and either throughthe valves 65 and p6 on the one hand, when the producer gas is to beused hot, or when it is directed into the pipe 33. through theregenerator and the valves 32, 31 and 37, it enters the generator fromthe pipe into the ports 68. and over the upper portion ot theincandescent fuel on one side or the other side of the generatoraccording to which of the pipes S3 receives the air and steam. Themixture flows diagonally downward across the generator below the wallsS5 to the outlets (39 which causes the blast to pass to the bottom ofthe incandescent fuel chamber ot' the generator and directs the gasesformed into the pipe 35 on the other side of the generator whence it maybe directed either through the regenerator on the said other side, ifthe producer gas is to be used cold, or it may be directed out throughthe'valve 67 connected to the said pipe 3.7 when .the producer gas is toIt desired air and steam may be also directed through the pipe 15 andthe ports (i9 located on and connected with the same side. of thegenerator that the ports (3S are located on and through which the airand steam is being directed, llfe gases` fronrthe fuel and which areformed bv the 'air and steam coming from the ports GS and (i9 on oneside being collected and directed ont ll.'ough the port-s (i9 on theother side of the. generator. This produces a flow of air and steam andof gases of large crosssectional area through the incandescent fuel,whereby a large quantity of the gas may be formed and whereby avoluminous incan- 'descent fuel bed may be maintained.

In the generator shown in Figs. 8 and 9, I have also providedpassageways located near the ash zone 92, and which extend diagonallydownward to direct air and steam or steam alone along the upper side ofthe ashes or substantially along the division line between theincandescent fuel and the ashes. The ends of the` passagcways form portsfor the steam and air which maintain the incandescent fuel of this lowerregion at the proper temperature to produce a complete combustion ot'the fuel and yet to prevent the fusion of the asli and the formation ofthe clinker.

The passageways 70 communicate with the pipe 30 through the vaive 72 andwith the i steam line through the valve 73 on each side of thegenerator. The valves 73 and- 72 are opened when the air and steampasses through the port G8 on the same side of the generator and itdesired also through the port 69 on the same side of the generator, thegases being collected through the port 69 `on the other side of thegenerator. The proportion of the air and steam that is directed throughthe ports (38 and 69 and the pafsageway 70 may be varied aswlcsired. Ifind it preferable, however, todirectmore air through the port 68proportionate to the steam than through the port 69 and more air throughthe port 69 proportionate to the steam than through the passageway 70and in` fact if desired. very little air may be directedthrough thepassageway 70.

:n n In 'the construetimshown 1n Figs. 8 and 9, I have providetbfa,vport 75 located in a bridgingr wall 7G that corresponds to the ports 56in the form of generator illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and so that whenwater gas is produced by the use of the construction illustrated inFigs. S and 9. steam may be directed through the pipe'y 39 whichconnects,l 1

through the valve 7i'. with the steamline orl superheated steam may hedirected through the pipe 39 which connects through the valves SS withregenerators 14 and 15, or the port 75 may be connected through the pipe39 and the valve 79 withgas exhaust pipe 8O when in the generator it isdesired to remove tarry produc-ls or hydrocarbon gases from theuncarbonized and partially carbonized fuel, such connection being usedeither when the 'generator is being used for the vproduction of watergas or of producer gas.

1t it is desired. steam or water may he directed through the pipes 93into the ashes to quench the ashes before it reaches the' quenched'which results in a continuous in troduction of a definite amount ofsteam into the generator.

The generator illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 is provided with the fuelmagasine 82 lin which is located the bridge vvall 76 which prevents thefuel from becoming packed locally and causes the fuel to be fed loosely'into the incandescent chamber. The port "5 located in tbe bridgingr wall7G opens downward through a perforated arch 83 (shown in Fig. 11)*uhichprevents the aecuinulation of port-ions of the fuel in the openings andthus prevents clogging of the openings.

The fuel 90 is discharged from the fuel magazine 89. into a largerchamber 84 which is formed between tivo bridging walls 85 that extenddown into the incandescent chamber of the genera-tor. The top of theincandescent chamber overhangs the interior of the chamber, and thusleaves passageways or areas that permits the entering air and steam `tomove laterally over the incandescent fuel Q1 and consequently greatlyextends the area through which the air or steam or both may heintroduced into the incandescent fuel. The ports 68 are located in thecorner Aformed by the top wall 95 of the walls 85. This preventsclogging lof the ports 68 by the fuel.

r 'he depending Walls S5 also afford a similar lateral passageway `formovement of the gases to and from lthe incandescent fuel at a lowerregion in the incandescent chamliei-. They bring:v the lower portions ofthe paths of the gases down to a low point in the incandescent; zone.If, however, it is desired, the same construction-cari be made withreference to the ports 69; that. is to say. portions of the tcp of thegenerator may be made in stepped relation and the incandescent chaniberenlarged step by step. The ports G9 will then be located in proximity totheincandescent, fuel as is the case of the port 68.

In order to prevent the formation of clinkers at'the sides or near thelower inner edles of the walls 85, the walls 85 may be provided Withports 86 through which steam may be introduced through the pipes 87 andthe valves 88.

When the generator shown in Figs. 8 and 9, is to be used for theproduction of water gas, suitable air valves are openedv on one side ofthe apparatus as for example on the right side of the apparatus duringthe periods of air tlov. Thus air'may be admitted through one of thevalves 31 to the regenerai'ors 15 and 14 on the right side. It passesthrough the regenerators and through pipe il?) and valve 32 and ifdesired also through pipe 35 and valve 34 thence throughport (Se and ifthro-ugh pipe also through port GS) into the generator. lt then iassesdownward and Literally through tht.` fuel lied to the opposite side ofthe generator, the products passing out through the opposite port (if)and through the other set of regenerators 14 and 15 and through the,regenerator stack valve 19 on the'left side. During this pe,- riod airvalve 99 on air line 42 on the left side leading to regenerator 14 maybe opened to admit secondary air for the combustion oi such unoxidizedconstituents as may exist in the gares and vapors leavingthe gencrator.

Duringf a subsequent steam flow period the stack valve 19 and the airvalves 31 and 99 are closed and the steam valve 37 on the. right side isopened. IThe Steam is superheated in refcnerators 15 and 14 and thenpasses through the port 68 or `ports (i8 and (if) through the generatormoving' in thesame. direction as the air of the last described periodand passing1r by way of the opposite port (39 and pipe 35 to and throughthe opposite regreneigators 14 and' 15. lt thence passes by way of valve46 on the left side of the apparatus to the gas main 47.

During;f a' subsequent period.' of air flow valves 46 and 37 and alsoinlet valve 34, are closed and the air valve 311m the left side of theapparatus now opened and air admitted to regenerator 15 on the left'side. The nir then passes through pipe 33 and valve 32 and if desiredalso through pipe and valve 34 thence to the generator by way of port 68or ports 68 and 69.. It then passes through the generator downward andlaterally toward the right side of' the generator,"

the. diagonally downward flow crossing the. part of the air How of thepreceding period of air flow and tbe lateral component of flow` beingreverse, to that of the preceding.,r period of air flew.. 'lhe productsthus pass out of ports 69 and pipe 35 and valve 34 to vregenerators 14and 15 all positioned on the side of the rellenerator opposite to that.to which the products of the first period were directed.I such productspassing finally to the other stack valve 19 on the right. side. Duringthis period air valve 99 on the right side in the air 42 leadingy toregenerator 1-'1 may be opened to admit secondary air for the combustionof unoxidized gases and vapors leavingzthe generator. f

The last mentioned stack valve 19 and the air-blast valves 31 and 99 areclosed and steam is admitted by way of valve 37 on the left side.The'flow of steam through the steam How period is through theregenerators 15 and 1li and the flow of steam and gras through thegenerator as well as the tlovv of gas through the other regen-craters 14and 15 being all substantially through the same paths as theair andproducts of the preceding period of air flow. The gas finally pass inginto gas main 47 by way of valve 46 on the rightl side of the apparatus.

Valve 73 `for steam admission or valve 7;! for air admission may beopened to admit steam or air through pipe Tl aml port TO when the port68 on the correspoinling side of the generator is opened, the resultantreaction products passing out with the other reaction products arisingfrom the flow from the ports (5S and G9 to the opposite side ot' thegenerator' through the opposite port (lfb The sequence ot the periodsabove described may be changed to suit quality of tbe fuel or conditionof the heat or according to the gas required. f l

As indicated very generallyi'irfFig. ll) the air and steam flowsdnay begreatly 7varied in order that the maximum eflieiency ot gas productionmay be accol1i|')lislied b v either ol1 the generators. In addition tothe air flow, the, steam flow` or tht.l mixture of air and steam flowindicated in Fig. lll. the volatile gases may be exhausted 4byconnecting an exhaustingr means with the passageways that lead to theports :"t ot' the generator Shown in Fig. l or to tb`e ports T5 shown inFig. t). ()r superheated steam may be directed from certain ports. suchas ports 5t', and 75 through the colder fuel to carry down hydrocarbonmaterials for further cracking. These latter operations may be performedin conjunction with any ol the oilieratons indicated in Fig. 1t).

Air is admitted through one .set of ports 52 -and moves diagonallydownward toward a set of ports 521, the said set of ports 5? beinglocated in walls or bridges that are located next in order to the wallsor bridges in which the said ports 52 are located. the currents movin-glneferably laterally. Steam/ is then admitted through the said ports,"rf/

and Vtli'e gases are expelled from the gaiclrt.'

53. the general movement beiiig'ialkrfqwl follow the o Stream.

ports laterally. lln the subsequent period the streams ,of air flow fromthe ports 52 to thvl ports 53 in a general lateraloimosite't'lireetion.' Preferably'tbe steam follows` the air paths ofthe preceding period. so th-t thi` order would be. thesformation of air.streams in a general lateral or diagonallv down 'ard direction towardsone side of the generator or division of a generator as in Fig. 1 whilethese streams are followed bv steam streams in the samegeneraldirection. and then tollowed bv air .streams in a general lateral ordiagonally downward direction towardsthc other side of the generatordivision orvunit. The air streams are followed again by steam streamsthat follow the saine paths. Also air may be allowed to pass out ofports :'l to ports 53 of the neighboring walls, or bridges toward whichair may be flowing from the ports 52 located directly above the, firstnamed ports 53. Streams of air will then be caused to move in asubstantially horizontal direction across the generator' as well asdiagonally downward. Steam streams may be also directed along theSubstantiallv horizontal paths ot' the air streams` of the precedingperiod- Each period ot' the steam streams preferably follow a period ofthe flow of the airstreams. lVhen the generator is reversed, that is,when the movements of the air and the products of combustion through theregenerators are reversed, the horizontal movement. of the air fromoneport towards a portv 53 of an adioining bridge or wall is reversed indirection. This may be followed by streams of steam in the succeedingperiod. Variations of the diagonal flow of air and steam and ofhorizoiital streams of air and steam and variations in their sequencemay be utilize-l to produce the desired results, thatvis, according tothe character of the fuel and according to the condition of the ash, andaccording to the gases obtained.- Also mixtures of air and steam may beused during the steam or airblas't periods. l

ln the diagram shown in Fig. 1() the air and steam strams and mixture ofair and steam streams from one set ot upper openings of the bridges andwalls ot the generator are marked respectively a. s. and a, and s. Anyone of these streams will pass through the coal ilu/ring certainperiods, that is, the steam'streinnwill follow the period during whichthe air lstream tlows or the air and stealmixture stream follows theperiodduran/g which the a`r flows. ing streams' will ollow the period ofthe steam stream or ot' the air and steam stream marked .s or a and s.-t These latter or subsequent acting streams are marked a, a and o andx.' These streams will likewiset'ollow )two same order. that is. the a.stream will O'w the n. stream orV the a' and s'. .slreani l`ol|o\vingthis plan the fl stream will then follow either the s stream oi' the a'and a streanr` and so on the c vcles o'l the `generator will be carriedout.

It desired, streams may be directed laterally that, is, in a horizontaldirection, while the other streams are being directed in a generallateral direction. By general lateral direction is meant a lateraldirection or a diagonal direction, as for example. when the a strealn isflowing the a stream maybe flowing from the lower openings. of thebridges or wall in Awhich the openingsl are located from which the aStreams are floring. 'hile'the a stream' or' the a and .s stream isflowing thee strcam'or the n and s may be flowing in the samegenerallateil` al direction. Also while the o stream flowing air may bealso flowing along the line a", which is in a lateral direction re- `heother cross- 4verse to that of the a stream.

The same is true with respect to the s streams or the and 8 streams. Thegases are being through the fuel in different stages of operation withinthe generator laterally with revepect to the side r sides of thegenerator.

Thegenerators shown in the drawings are yrectangular in plan andconsequently, laterally or in a general lateral direction are broadterms to cover movements towards the sides, or the side of the generatororhgenera tor division. The terms laterally, or 1n a lateral directionincludes the more specific terms"diagonally,and.horizoutally. Thestreams are so directed as to carry the air or steam, or both, acrossthe fuel hed or portions thereof as heretofore described, orspecitivcally through the incandescent tuel, or as may be particularlypointed out in the specification and claims. The crossing orcounterniovement of the streams produce the desired results withreference to the maintenance ot .the reaction zone, and to the securingof etti- ?ient. production of the gas or of a gas havin" a desiredmixture` of Vapor and gas. As pointed out, herein, and shown in Fig. ot

'the drawings, the operation ot the generator may he divided into fourperiods that; repeat, vit being understood, however, that changes may hemade in the proportion and the quani' o the air or steam, and the lenethof l,time of each of the periods and the se :piencc of t ie periodsaccording to the etl'ects produced in the generator. Ordinarily. theprocess would follow the repeated steps or cycles that. are as a matterot tact divided into the said four periodsof operation. 'l`liesucceedingly repeat themselves while periods in each .step preferahlyiolim.v the solo order. First air may predominate and is directedthrough the generator or :Iencrator division toward the altcrnatewalloi' walls. This period ot flow is followed hy a period during,r whichsteam predominates and is directed toward the other wall or walls of the.fienerator or division of thc generator, that is, it is directed' tothe wall or walls located opposite the.u wall or walls toward which theair stream of the tirst period was directed` The thirld period isfollowed hy a fourth period wherein steam may predominate and in whichtheY paths are in -ireneral laterally reverse in direction to these inwhich the air of the third period was di rected. The next step or cyclethen 'begins with the first period and so on, the generator beingoperated through the succeeding priods. As pointed out;I and referred toin the claims, air and steam may he directed in the generator during thesaine periods io oh tain the best working conditions ot the gcnerator,but generally speaking, the predoiuiu hating element namely, the air orstrain is dh reeted into the generator during aina-nare periods, andthese periods, in pairs alternate as to the general lateral direction inwhich the streams move. Also the periods may he subdivided by cessationot' the streams. that. is, there may be in the same period a plural ityof succeeding streams ot' air that follow substantially the same path orsucceedingr streams of steam that flow substantially in the same path togive opportunity for the desired reaction in the generator.

claim:

l. The. method of producing water gas, which consists in periodicallypassing a plurality of streams of air in a direction suhstantiallydiagonally downwardly through incandescent fuel, and then passino aplurality of streams ot steam through tlu` paths ot' the air .streamsduring periods followingy the periods of the air stream flow. the pathsof different periods of the air stream iow crossing' each other.

2. The method of producingy which consists in periodically passing' aplurality of streams ot' air in a direction substantially diagonallydownwardly through incandes- ,cent 4fuel, and thenpassing a. pluralityof streams ot air and steam along the paths of the air streams of theprecedinpr peri ods, the paths ot the alternating periods of the airstream flow crossing each other.

3. The method of producing water gas,

which consists in periodically passing 'streams o air substantiallydiagonallyv downwardly through incandescent. fuel and other streams ot'air laterally through in- 'candescent fuel duringr the samtl periods ofthe diagonally-dirccted air fiow. and then periodically passing streamsoi' steam alone the paths of the air flow ot thefiln'iaediing periods,the paths of the diagonal streams ot succeeding periods or air towcrossingY t-arh other, and the direction of the lateral streams otsucceeding` periods ot air flow he ing 1u opposite lgeneral lateraldirections through the incandescent tucl.

4. In the method ot' produriapr gras, the steps which consist inpassing` streams ot air substantially diagonally downwardly throughincandescent `fuel and separate streams ot air laterally, and thenpassino; streams of air and steam diagonally downwardly and otherstreams of air and steam laterally' during; periods succeeding to theincrement of the first named streams or air, the paths of movements ofthe streams of an and steam followingthe paths of moveu l Il) ments ofthe first named streams of air during the preceding periods.

ln the. method of producing gas, the steps which consist in passim`streams of air and streams of steam substantially diagonally downwardlythrough incandescent fuel during successive periods, and then passingstreams ot steam laterally through the incandescent 'fuel during thepriods that the steam is also directed diagonally downward.

6. The method of' producing gas, which consists in passing streams ofair substan` tially diagonally downwardly through incandescent fuelduring ditl'erent periods, the paths of movements of the air during saidperiods crossing each other,v and then passing lateral streams of steaminto the incandescent fuel during periods intermediate the periods ofthe flow of the air. A

7. The method of producing water gas, which consists in passing streamsof air laterally through incandescent fuel and in generally oppositedirections during different periods, and then passing streams of steamsubstantially diagonally downwards through the fuel during periodsintermediate the periods at which the air is directed laterally'.

8. In the method of producing gas, the steps which consist in passingstreams of a mixture of air and steam substantially diagonallydownwardly through incandescent fuel having an 'aslraone, the paths ofthe streams of the mixed air and steam crossing each other duringsuccessive periods,4 and then passing streams of steam into theincandescent fuel near the ash zone in the same general lateraldirections in which the streams of the mixture of air and steam flow.v

9. The method of producing water `gas, which consists in assing streamsof air diagonally downwar ly for blasting a fuel bed to incandescence,and then passing streams of steam through the paths of the said airstreams and other streams of steam laterally through the incandescentfuel, the said steam streams flowing during periods that. alternate withthe periods of `the flow of the air streams and the laterally flowingsteam streams moving in the same general direction laterally that thediagonally flowing streams of steam flow..

10. The method of producing water gas. which consistsk in passing aplurality of streams of air diagonally downwardly and in a generallateral direction for blasting a fuel bed to incandescenee. and thenpass-ing a plurality of streams of steam diagonally downwardly and in ageneral lateral direction through the incandescent fuel. the said steamstreams flowing during periods that alternate with the periods of theflow of the said air streams and the said strcan'is of air and streamsof steam moving during two tum succeeding periods in the same generallateral direction.

11. The method of producing water gas, which consists in passing streamsof air and steam diagonally downwardl)v through incandescent fuel andduring separate periods. the streams of steam taking the same paths asthe air streams, the paths of streams ot' air of subsequent periods ofair flow crossing each other, and passingseparate streams of steamdownwardly into the fuel from above the. entrance of the air during theperiods that the first named steam streams are passed into the fuel.

12. The method of producing water gas. which consists in passing streamsof air diagonally downwardly through incandescent fuel andsimultaneously admitting streams of air laterally, then passing streamsof steam diagonally downwardly and Streams of steam laterally duringperiods subsequent tothe movement of the air. the diagonal streams ofsubsequent periods of air flow and steam flow crossing each other, thelateral streams of air and steam of subse quent periods moving inopposite directions,v

the said air and steam streams and downl wardly into the incandescentfuel during the periods that. the first named steam streams are directedinto the fuel.

13. The method of producing water gas. which consists in passing airsubstantially diagonally downwardly Athrough incandescent fuel duringalternate periods; and then passing steam llaterally' during periodsbetween the periods of the air flow. the paths of the air streams duringsucceeding periods of ai.` flow crossing each other and the movement ofthe steam during succeeding periods of steam flow being in voppositedirections` the steam flow during each period succeeding the air flowbeing in the same general lateral direction of the said air tlow of thepreceding period.

14. ln the method of produciiig water gas. the steps which consist inpassing a plurality of streams of steam substantially diagonally'downwardly through incandescent. fuel during alternate periods. and thenpassing a plurality oi streams of air laterally during periods betweenthe periods of steam flow, the movement of the air during the periods ofair flow being in the same `general lateral dircction'in which the steamvflow moves during the preceding period.

l5. The, method of' producing water gas. which consists in passing airsubstantially diagonally downwardly through incandeseen't fuel duringalternate periods. and then passing s team diagonally downwardly duringthe periods 1between the periods of air flow, the steam flow followingthe paths of the air flow ot the preceding period and the air flow ofthe succeeding periods et air flow Crossing each other, and passing airlaterally through the incandescent fuel during the. said periode of airflow and in the same general lateral direction an the diagonal streamsot air flow ot' each period ot' air tlow.

1G. The method of producing water gas, which consists in passing streamsot a-ii` diagonally downwardly through incandescent vfuel and laterallythrough incandescent fuel and in the saine general lateral directionduringr alternate periods. the diagonal streams of air llow crossingeach other, and then paz-'sing steam laterally through incamleseeiitfuel during the period."- between the periods ol air llowl` thedirection oi' the lateral streams ot' steam flow being' in the naine.direction as the. `lateral stream of air .lou' o't the preceding period.

li. A inet-hed of producing water ga?, which consists in. Substantiallydiagonally downwardly air blasting a fuel bed in a gas generator by aplurality ot air streams to incandcscence, the air enteringY thegenerator below the level of the. top ot' the t'uel in the l'cnerattu`then substantially dialoually downwardly steam blasting the fuel by aplurality ol streams. of steam, the steam entering' below the. level ofthe fuel in the gencratoi" then diagonally downwardly air blasting the'fuel whereby the path ot lthe air crosses the path of the. precedingair blast, and then diagonally down 'ardly steam blasting the fuel.

1S. A method of producing' water gas, which consists in diagonallydownwardly air blasting' the fuel bed. to ineandescenee*by a pluralityof streams ot` air, then diagonally downwardly steam blasting the fuel'ny a plurality ot Streams otsteain, the steam blast movingr through theSame paths that the preceding: air blast moved, then diagonallydownwardly air blasting the l'uel whereby the path ot' the air crossesthe path ol' the preceding' ail-.blast` and then diagonally doi'vnwardlySteam blastingy the fuel. thelaat-,namcd blastffollowing the path of thepreceding' air blast.

if). A method ot' producing' water gras, which consists in diagonallydownwardl)Y air blasting a fuel bed to incandescence and at the sametime airl blastingl by streams of air moving substantially horizontallythrourh the fuel hed and in the saine general lateral direction 'as thediagonally downwardly moving' air. then diagonally downwardly andlaterally steam blastiirer the fuel by streams ot" steam that movediagonally downwardly and substantially horizontally and in the sainegeneral lateral direction that the air moved in the precedingy period,then diagonally downwardly air blasting the Jfuel and laterally-,byseparate streams of diagonally downwardly and substantially4horizontally.

Q0. A method ot producin; water gas, which consicts inv passing air intoincandescent fuel, then bla-'ting with a plurality ol streams ot a'mixture. ot air and steam 'nifsed4 diagonallv downwardly into the fuelbed. then passng' a plurality of strean'is of air into the incandescentfuel, and the-,n diagonally downwardly blasting withA a mixture ot' airand steam 'whereby the. ,path of the mixture. ol: air and steam creasesthe path ot the preceding blaat ol a mixture ot air and steam.

2l. A method ot producing' water gas, which consists in air blasting theincandescent fuel lied, then diagonally downwardly blasting' the. fuelwith a mixture of air and steam and blasting the fuel with steam movingSubstantially horizontally through the iiu'ainle.-:ceiit tuel ucar theash zone in the same general lateral tirection ot the, diagonallydownwardly moving mixture ot air and steam, then air blasting theincandescent fuel7 and then blastingthe fuel with a mixture ot' air andsteam, moving diagonall),1 downwardly and by streams of steam that movethrough the'incandeseentfuel near the ash zone in thel Samegeneral'lateral direction in which the streams oit the mixture ot'l airand steam flow. I

'theniethod ot producing water gas, which consists in diagonallydownwardly air blasting' a fuel bed having a lower ash zone toincandeseen'ce by a plurality of streams ol' air. and then diagonally1downwardly and substantially horizontally steam blastingr the fuel by aplurality oi"v streams ot' steam, then diagonally downwardly airblasting the l'uel whereby the path ol the air crosses the path of theprecedingr air blast, and then diagonally downwardly7 and substantiallyhorizontally steam blasting the fuel, the Substantially horizontallymoving steam blasts being located near the ash zone of the fuel,

28. The method ot producing water gas, ,which conssts in diagonallydownwardly air blasting;r a fuel bed having a lower ash zone. toincandescence. `then diagonally downwardly steam blast-ing the fuelaloneT the paths` of the air blastot the prt-,ceding period, and steamblastingr substantially horizontally along the top of the ash zone, thendiagonallyidownward-ly air blasting the uel vvhereby the path of the aircrosses the 'steammoving in the same generell' lteral path of thepreceding air blast, and then direction as lthe diagonally downwardlydiagonally downwardly steam blasting the moving steam in each of thesteam blast 1`0 f fuel along the path of the preceding air blastperiods. A

5 and steam blasting the'fuel along the top- Ingtestimony whereof I havehereunto of the ash zone, the substantially horizonsigned my name tothis specification. tally moving steam blasts produced by LOUIS B.MOORHOUSE.

